Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pints of blood were supplied to private hospitals in Scotland in each year since 1978.
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Mr. John MacKayThis information is not available in precisely the form requested and no figures are available for the period prior to April 1981. The information which can be supplied about blood issued by regional transfusion centres to private hospitals is as follows:
Year ended 31 March Units* issued 1982 1,052 1983 1,486 * A unit represents one donation of blood.
Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there have been any shortages of blood supplies for National Health Service hospitals in any year since 1978; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John MacKayMinor shortages in blood supplies do occur locally from time to time: for example, because of temporary falls in the numbers of donors attending sessions due to holiday periods, severe weather conditions or outbreaks of illnesses such as influenza; or because of unexpected demands for particular blood groups. On such occasions remedial action is taken quickly by regional transfusion directors and, as at all times, the National Health Service takes priority over any requests from non-National Health Service hospitals.
Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the highest handling charge per pint of blood levied by a private hospital known to his Department.